ABC KSAT 12 / JULY 15, 2014
When he shot and wounded a burglary suspect in his near South Side home early Tuesday, Felipe Salazar, 79, had a feeling it was the same person who had broken into his home and stolen two shotguns a few days ago.
His suspicions were confirmed when the suspect, a man in his 20s, offered to return the shotguns as he lay wounded in Salazar’s driveway.
Apparently referring to an accomplice, Salazar said the suspect said, “He got your shotguns if you want them back.”
Salazar said he declined the offer.
“I didn’t want to take a chance leaving him – he might get up and go,” Salazar said.
BRIANS TAKE:Standing Your Ground Can Be Risky
Wow! My hats off to Felipe Salazar! Sadly, it sounds like the robber had already robbed Mr. Salazar once already, just a few days earlier and he came back to steal more…. At 79 years old Felipe Salazar is one TOUGH homeowner and I say that with the most respect and admiration.
It’s hard to be able to draw down on another human being, put them in your sites and pull the trigger. In many cases the criminal is able to take the gun away and turn it on the homeowner. So it can be a very tricky and dangerous situation.
Don’t get me wrong. I own a gun. I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to use it if my family was in danger. But only as a last resort. Truth be told… If I had a choice I’d much rather not place myself or my family in that kind of situation.
In Mr. Salazar’s situation and in any situation involving a firearm (especially if one has been fired, never mind if you actually shoot someone) it creates a web of tangled legal issues with the local police. Then you need to think about the civil liability. What I mean is you can get sued by the person you shot!
I’ve read about those situations and it turns my stomach.
So at the end of the day, after thinking this through without the adrenaline flowing through my veins, I’d much rather not place myself in that situation if I can help it.
That’s why we do what we do, that’s why I do what I do. It’s all about helping to keep you safe.
Source – http://www.alliancesecurity.com/elderly-homeowner-shoots-wounds-burglar
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